Cappagh

Information taken from a variety of official documents

Research: Eileen Keane, Abbey Heritage

Cappagh Townland

Cappagh, Plot of Land, Tillage Plot

Cappagh is situated in the civil parish of Ballynakill, in the electoral district of Ballynagar, in the barony of Leitrim and in the County of Galway. It is in the north east end of the parish of Ballynakill about 1½ mile north east of Woodford.

O’Donovan’s Field Name Books (1838) states that the standard name for the townland is Cappagh and its Irish form is An Cheapach. The translation of the name is given as plot of land and tillage plot. O’Donovan’s field name books further states that there is a reference to Cappagh in the following documents:
Hyath. Clarke, Esq., Larkin’s County Map, B.s. Sketch, Inq. Temp. Car. I and Inq. Temp. Jac.I.

The Down Survey Map of Ireland 1641 (pre Cromwell) states that the owners of the townland of Cappagh in 1640 was the Earl of Clanrickard. The Down Survey of Ireland also states that the Earl of Clanrickard was a protestant and that he continued to own the land in 1670.

1851 Old Age Pension Census

Michael Mahon Application number C/17.6194
The applicant Michael Mahon with an address c/o Mr . Keary, Funeral Merchant, Woodford, applied for the Old Age Pension on 15th August 1917. According to Michael, his parents were Martin and Mary (nee Molloy) Mahon. He further stated that his address in 1851 was Cappagh. The application form showed that his application fee of 2/- was paid, indicating that he was successful in obtaining the Old Age Pension at this time.

Tithe Applotment Books 1834

The Tithe Applotment Books were compiled between 1823 and 1837 in order to determine the amount which occupiers of agricultural holdings over one acre should pay in tithes to the Church of Ireland. The land was measured in Irish acres or plantation acres at the time and this equated to 1.6198 English acres.

The Tithe Applotment for the townland of Cappagh was undertaken in 1834. It states that the townland of Cappagh was in the parish of Ballinakill and in the Diocese of Clonfert and Kilmacduagh.

There was 1 proprietor in the townland at this time, namely: Lord Burke Bart.

According to the Tithe Applotment Books, Lord Burke Bart held 205 acres 3 roods and 5 perches of land which was occupied by 20 tenants. The following is an account of the tenants’ landholdings, the value of their acres, the amount of composition of the tithe and how this was dispersed among the church hierarchy:

Judith Leach held 1 acre and 2 roods of land that was valued at 4 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of 6s. She paid 2½d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 0¼d and the Vicar got 1½d which was a total of 1¾d.

John Gorman held 7 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 4 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £1 9s. He paid 10¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 1½d and the Vicar got 6¾d which was a total of 8¼d.

Timothy Leach held 5 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 4 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £1 1s. He paid 7¼d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 1d and the Vicar got 4½d which was a total of 5½d.

Margaret Glynn held 6 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 4 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £1 5s. She paid 8½d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 1¼d and the Vicar got 5¼d which was a total of 6½d.

Wm (William) Hickey held 9 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £2 6s 3d. He paid 1s 3¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2d and the Vicar got 9¾d which was a total of 11¾d.

Pat Gorman held 12 acres and 2 roods of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £3 2s 6d. He paid 1s 9¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2¾d and the Vicar got 1s 1½d which was a total of 1s 4¼d.

Thomas Mahon held 10 acres 2 roods and 10 perches of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £2 12s 10d. He paid 1s 6d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2¼d and the Vicar got 11¼d which was a total of 1s 1½d.

Jas (James) Mahon held 12 acres and 3 roods of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £3 3s 9d. He paid 1s 10¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2¾d and the Vicar got 1s 2¼d which was a total of 1s 5d.

W Cunningham held 4 acres of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £1. He paid 7¼d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 1d and the Vicar got 4½d which was a total of 5½d.

Martin Mahon held 18 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £4 11s 3d. He paid 2s 8½d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 4d and the Vicar got 1s 8¼d which was a total of 2s ¼d.

John Roonan held 16 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £4 1s 3d. He paid 2s 5d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 3¾d and the Vicar got 1s 6d which was a total of 1s 9¾d.

Tras Abberton held 15 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £3 16s 3d. He paid 2s 2½d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 3½d and the Vicar got 1s 4½d which was a total of 1s 8d.

Mary Lennan held 8 acres and 2 roods of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £2 2s 6d. She paid 1s 3¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2d and the Vicar got 9¾d which was a total of 10¾d.

Thos (Thomas) Mahon held 9 acres of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £2 5s. He paid 1s 3¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2d and the Vicar got 9¾d which was a total of 11¾d.

Pat Mahon held 9 acres of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valutation of £2 5s. He paid 1s 3¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2d and the Vicar got 9¾d which was a total of 11¾d.

Andw (Andrew) Moran held 15 acres and 1 rood of land that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £3 16s 3d. He paid 2s 2½d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 3½d and the Vicar got 1s 4½d which was a total of 1s 8d.

Wm (William) Moran held 17 acres that was valued at 5 shillings per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £4 5s. He paid 2s 6¼d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 4d and the Vicar got 1s 6¾d and which was a total of 1s 10¾d.

Michl (Michael) Mahon held 6 acres and 3 roods that was valued at 4s 6d per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £1 10s 4d. He paid 10¾d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 1¼d and the Vicar got 6¾d which was a total of 8d.

Pat Burke held 10 acres 3 roods and 35 perches that was valued at 4s 6d per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £2 9s 4d. He paid 1s 6d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2¼d and the Vicar got 11¼d which was a total of 1s 1½d.
Wm (William) Burke held 10 acres 1 rood that was valued at 4s 6d per Irish acre and had a total valuation of £2 6s 2d. He paid 1s 5d of a tithe tax. The Bishop got 2¼d and the Vicar got 10½d which was a total of 1s ¾d.

Griffiths Valuation 1855

According to Griffith’s Valuation 1855, the townland of Cappagh contained 336 acres and 31 perches of land therefore, it stated that Thomas J. Burke, Bt, leased 336 acres, 3 roods and 10 perches, to the following tenants: Martin Mohan sen, Martin Mohan jun, Malachy Lennon, Michael Cunningham, Francis Abberton, John Gorman, James Mohan, Andrew Moran, Michael Mohan, Patrick Flanagan, William Burke and Thomas Mohan. The overall rent paid was £53-15-0.

Martin Mohan sen paid a total annual valuation rate of £3-15-0 for house and land. Martin Mohan jnr paid a total annual valuation of £2-15-0 for house, office and land. Malachy Lennon paid a total annual valuation rate of £4-5-0 for house, office and land. Michael Cunningham paid a total annual valuation rate of £2-0-0 for house and land. Francis Abberton paid a total annual valuation rate of £3-0-0 for house, offices and land. John Gorman paid a total annual valuation rate of £3-0-0 for house, offices and land. James Mohan paid a total annual valuation rate of £4-5-0 for house, office and land. Andrew Moran paid a total annual valuation rate of £4-10-0 for house and land. Michael Mohan paid a total annual valuation rate of £3-10-0 for house, offices and land. Patrick Flanagan paid a total annual valuation rate of £1-10-0 for house, offices and land. William Burke paid a total annual valuation rate of £2-5-0 for house, office and land. Thomas Mohan paid a total annual valuation rate of £1-10-0 for house, office and land. Sir Thomas J. Burke, Bt (In fee) paid a total annual valuation rate of £17-10-0 for land, office and house.

Census 1901

According to the Census N Form there were 13 inhabited houses at the time of the 1901 census with 50 inhabitants.  There were 24 males and 26 females and all were Roman Catholics.  The B1 Census Form shows that the head of households were James McHugh, James Leech, Cornelius Gorman, Bridget Mahon, John Cunningham, John Power, Martin Mahon, John Donlan, Michael Mahon, Andrew Moran, Michael Mahon, John Burke and Michael Abberton. All occupants were born in County Galway and all of the houses in Cappagh were built and listed as private dwellings . All of the house roofs were made of perishable material while all of the house walls were made of permanent material. The B2 Form shows that there were 37 farm buildings in total consisting of 9 stables, 9 cow houses, 5 calf houses, 12 piggeries and 2 barns.

James McHugh was 70 years old and he was married to Bridget who was 50 years old. He was a farmer and both he and Bridget could read and write.  James McHugh’s house was a 3rd class house with 2 front windows and there were 2 rooms.  His farm consisted of 1 cow house and 1 piggery.  James was the landholder on whose holding the house was situated.

James Leech was 40 years old and he lived with his wife Mary who was 42 years old. James was listed as an agricultural labourer who could read and write as did Mary.  There were 2 daughters and 1 son listed on the census. Mary was 8 years old and was listed as a scholar . Anne was 7 years old and was also listed as a scholar. William was 4 years old and he was also listed as a scholar. None of the children could read and write.  James’ house was listed as a 3rd class house with 1 front window and 1 room. His farm consisted of 1 piggery. James was the landholder on whose holding the house was situated.

Cornelius Gorman was 42 years old and he lived with his wife Margaret who was 43 years old. Cornelius was a farmer who could read and write as could Margaret. There were 4 sons and 2 daughters listed on the 1901 Census Form A. Michael J and Mary A were 8 years old. They could both read and write. William was 7 years old and he could read. Deliah was 7 years old and she could not read. John P was 3 years old and Cornelius was 1 year old. All of the children were listed as scholars, except for one year old Cornelius. Cornelius Gorman’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 2 rooms in the house. His farm consisted of 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery. Cornelius owned the land on which his house was situated.

Bridget Mahon, a widow, was 50 years old and she was a farmer. She lived with her 3 sons and 1 daughter. Bridget could read and write and she spoke English. All of the children could read and write and they all spoke English. None were married at the time of the census. James was 24 years old and he was listed as a farmer’s son. Lawrence was 23 and he was listed as a farmer’s son. Thomas was 16 years old and he was listed as a farmer’s son. Mary who was 12 years old was listed as a scholar. Bridget’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. Bridget’s farm consisted of 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

John Cunningham was 40 years old and he lived with his brother Michael who was 39 years old. John was listed as a farmer who could read and write and he was a single man. Michael could read and write and he was listed as a farmer’s brother. They both spoke English. John’s house was listed as a 3rd class house with 2 front windows and there were 2 rooms in the house. John owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

John Power was 29 years old and he lived with his wife Kate who was 30 years old. They could both read and write and they spoke English. John was a farmer. John’s sister-in-law named Anne Mahon, who was their farm servant was 28 years old. Anne could read and write and she was a single lady. She spoke English. John’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. John’s farm consisted of 1 stable, 1 calf house and 1 piggery. John owned the land on which his house was situated.

Martin Mahon was 45 years old and he was married to Jane who was 41 years old. Martin was a farmer who could read and write and he spoke English. Jane could read and write and she also spoke English. There were 4 daughters listed on the Census Form A. Mary was 11 years old. Delia was 8 years old. Katie was 7 years old and Jane was 1 year old.  All of them were listed as scholars who could read and write apart from one year old Jane.  Martin’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and 2 rooms. Martin owned the land on which his house was situated along with a stable and a piggery.

John Donlan was 35 years old and he lived with his wife Margaret who was 34 years old. John was a farmer who could read and write as could Margaret. There were 3 children listed on the census. Bridget who was 11 years old could read and write and she spoke English. She was listed as a scholar. Annie who was 8 years old could read and write and she spoke English. She was also listed as a scholar. Michael was 2 years old. John’s house was listed as a 3rd class house with 2 front windows and there were 2 rooms in the house. John owned the land on which his house was situated along with a cow house and a piggery.

Michael Mahon was 44 years old and he lived with his wife Bridget who was 46 years old. Michael was a farmer who could read and write as could Bridget. There were 3 children listed on Census Form A 1901. Bridget who was 12 years old was a scholar who could read and write.  Joseph was 10 years old and he was a scholar who could read and write. Mary A was 8 years old. She was a scholar who could read. Michael’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. Michael owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house and 1 piggery.

Andrew Moran was 44 years old and he was married to Mary who was 38 years old. Michael was a farmer who could read and write as could Mary. There were 3 children listed on Census Form A. Mary who was 8 years old could read and write and was listed as a scholar. William who was 7 years old could read and was also listed as a scholar. Michael was 4 years old and listed as a scholar. He could not read . Andrew’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. Andrew owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house and 1 piggery.

Michael Mahon was a 50 year old farmer and he was married to Kate who was 27 years old. Both of them could read and write. There was one son listed on the Census Form A who was 1 year old. His name was Martin and according to the census he was a farmer’s son who spoke English. Annie Rafferty was a visitor at the time of the census. She was 28 years old and she was listed as a dressmaker who could read and write. Michael’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms. Michael owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery and 1 barn.

John Burke was a 60 years old farmer and he was married to Bridget who was 43 years old. John and Bridget could read and write. There were 2 daughters and 1 son listed on the Census Form A. Rachel was 20 years old and she could read and write and she spoke English. Kathleen who was 17 years old could read and write and she spoke English. Both daughters were listed as farmer’s daughters and they were not married. Willie who was 14 years old could read and write and he spoke English. He was listed as a farmer’s son. John’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. He owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house and 1 barn.

Michael Abberton was 70 years old and he lived with his brother Francis who was 60 years old. Both men were farmers who could read and write and they spoke English. Michael’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. Michael owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable and 1 piggery.

Census 1911

There were 13 inhabited houses at the time of the 1911 census with 60 inhabitants.  Àccording to the Census Form N there were 31 males and 29 females and all were Roman Catholics.  They were all born in County Galway except for one person born in County Tipperary. The B1 Census Form indicates that the head of households were James Leech, Cathryn Conry, Con Gorman, Bridget Mahon, Michael Shannon, John Cunningham, John Power, Martin Mahon, John Donelan, Michael Mahon, Andrew Moran, Michael Mahon and John Bourke. The B1 Census Form further documented that there were 13  houses in Cappagh and all were built and listed as private dwellings. The house walls were made of permanent material while all but one of the house roofs were made of perishable material. According to the B2 Census Form there was a total of 35 farm buildings consisting of 8 stables, 10 cow houses, 2 calf houses, 10 piggeries, 2 fowl houses, 1 barn, 1 turf house and 1 shed.

James Leech was 50 years old and he was married to Mary who was also 50 years old. James was listed as a farmer. According to the Census Form A they were married for 19 years and they had 4 children born alive and 3 children still living. There were 2 daughters and 1 son listed on the census and all were single. Mary was 18 years old, Anne was 16 years old and William was 14 years old and listed as a scholar. All of the family could read and write. James’ house was listed as a 3rd class house with 1 front window and there was 1 room in the house. James owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 piggery and 1 fowl house.

Catherine Conroy was 78 years old. She was listed as a farmer who was single and she could not read. Also listed on the census was Thomas Meara who was a farm servant. Thomas was 27 years old and he was a single man. Catherine’s house was listed as a 3rd class house with 1 front window and 1 room. Catherine owned the land on which her house was situated and according to the B2 Census Form she had no out houses.

Cornelius Gorman was 52 years old and he was married to Margaret who was 55 years old. Cornelius was a farmer who could read and write as did Margaret. According to the 1911 Census Form A they were married for 19 years and they had 6 children born alive and 5 children still living. Mary Gorman was 15 years old. Patrick John was 13 years old and Cornelius was 10 years old. All of the children could read and write. They were listed as scholars. Cornelius’ house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front window and there were 3 rooms in the house. He owned the land on which his house was built along with 1 piggery.

Bridget Mahon, a widow was 68 years old and she was listed as a farmer. She lived with her 5 sons who were all single men. James was 24 years old. Lawerence was 32 years old. Patrick was 30 years old. Martin was 28 years old and Thomas was 26 years old. All members of the family could read and write. Patrick and Martin were listed as carpenters on Census Form A. Bridget’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. Bridget owned the land on which her house was situated along with 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 fowl shed.

Michael Shannon was 68 year old farmer and he lived with his wife Catherine who was 67 years old. According to the 1911 Census Form A they were married for 39 years and they had 4 children born and 2 children still living. Michael and Bridget could both read and write. Michael was born in Tipperary. His house was listed as a 2nd class house with 5 front windows and there were 5 rooms in the house. He owned the land on which his house was situated and there were no out houses listed for him on the B2 Census Form.

Michael Cunningham was 57 years old and he was married to 37 year old Catherine for 5 years.  They had 2 children, both living at the time of the census. Michael was listed as a farmer who could read and write and he spoke English. Catherine could read and write and she spoke English. There were 2 children listed on the census. Mary was 3 years old and Patrick was 11 months old. Also living in the house was John who was a brother of Michael. He was 54 years old and he was listed as a farm labourer who was single. He could read and write . John Cunningham owned the land on which this house was situated. It was listed as a 3rd class house with 2 front windows and there were 2 rooms in the house. There were 2 outhouses including 1 stable and 1 cow house.

John Power was 45 years old and he was married to Katherine who was 52 years old for 10 years. They had no children. John was listed as a farmer and both he and Catherine could read and write. John’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 2 rooms in the house. John owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Martin Mahon was a 58 year old farmer who lived with this wife Jane who was 51 years old.  They were married for 23 years and had 5 children, all still living at the time of the census. Delia was 18 years old. Katie was 17 years old. Jane was 11 years old and Thomas was 9 years old. All the family could both read and write.  Katie and Jane spoke Irish and English whilst the rest of the family spoke English only. Katie, Jane and Thomas were listed as scholars. Martin’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 2 rooms in the house. Martin owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 calf house, 1 piggery, 1 barn and 1 turf house.

John Donlan was a 48 year old farmer and he was married to Margaret who was 46 years old.  They were married for 21 years and they had 5 children born alive with 4 children still living at the time of the census. They had 3 children resident with them: Annie was 18 years old; Michael was 12 years old and Margaret was 8 years old. All of the family could read and write. Michael and Margaret were listed as scholars. John’s house was listed as a 2nd class house and there were 3 front windows. There were 2 rooms in the house. John owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Michael Mahon was a 54 years old farmer and he was married to Brigid who was 64 years old. They were married for 25 years and they had 3 children, all still living at the time of the census. Joe was 21 years old and Mary Ann was 19 years old. All of the family members could read and write. Both children listed on the census were single.  Michael’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows. There were 2 rooms in the house. Michael owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Andrew Moran was 56 years old, a farmer, and he was married to Mary who was 50 years old.  They were married for 19 years and they had 4 children still living at the time of the census. years old. Mary was 18 years old. Michael was 14 years old and Andrew was 8 years old. All of the family members could read and write. William, Michael and Andrew were listed as scholars. Andrew’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. Andrew owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house and 1 piggery.

Michael Mahon was a 65 year old farmer and he was married to Kate who was 36 years old. They were married for 12 years and they had 3 children still living at the time of the census. Martin was 11 years old. Rose Mary was 10 years old and Delia was 8 years old. They were all listed as scholars. All of the family could read and write.  Michael’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. Michael owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 cow house, 1 calf house and 1 piggery.

John Burke was 69 years old and a farmer. He was married to Bridget who was 56 years old. They were married for 30 years and they had 3 children, all still living when the census was taken. Rachel was 27 years old. Kathleen was 25 years old and William was 24 years old. They were all single. All the family could read and write and they spoke English. John’s house was listed as a 2nd class house with 3 front windows and there were 3 rooms in the house. John owned the land on which his house was situated along with 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 shed.

This page was added on 15/03/2017.

Comments about this page

  • Thank you for this information, Eileen, about Cappagh and its inhabitants, which adds to my knowledge.

    I am trying to trace my ancestor Honora Burke from Galway b c 1841-1848, who emigrated to Australia and whose father John was a farmer. I wish I had more facts for such popular names!

    By Kevin White (21/12/2017)

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